Youth group calls for AG’s intervention on MCP use of national flag

The Youth Network for Peace and Reconciliation has expressed concern over what they call continued silence of government over what they call constitutional violation by the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) on the use of the National Flag.

The group’s National Coordinator George Kusamale says in a statement that for a long time they have come to realize that both government officials and MCP use the Black, Red and Green colours during the functions which they recognize as “our national colours”.

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“We however find this very confusing to us as citizens of the Malawi nation when these colours are erected in a scenario where the Government officials are involved at a government related function and at the same time the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has a rally in same area,” reads the statement in part which has been copied to Justice Minister, Minister of Information and MCP president.

They say Section 2 of the Protected Names, Emblems and Flags Act defines a protected emblem to include the National flag.

“We are of the view that an offence has been committed here where the MCP president permits the National flag to be used in the party’s advertisements. We are therefore asking your office to facilitate the provision of justice in this case as we believe that an offence was committed. “

They are therefore calling for the Attorney General to intervene.

Furthermore, we are of the opinion that Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) should also come out clear in this matter and duly inform Malawians about it.

“We need to make sure that the citizenry is sensitized and civic educated about the same to ensure that our elections are free and fair”

The groping has asked MEC to do a thorough investigation about the validity of their concerns and fears.